10 Best Dark-Sky Destinations In The World

OT Staff & eisha g

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park And Mackenzie Basin

The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, is one of the best places in the world to view the night sky due to its low levels of light pollution.

A pathway in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park at night | Shutterstock

NamibRand Nature Reserve

This private nature reserve in Southwestern Namibia was designated as an International Dark-Sky Reserve in 2012. It also has the honour of being Africa’s first Wilderness Quiet Park, a place that is free of human noise.

An acacia tree in the Namib Desert spotlighted against the Milky Way in the sky | Shutterstock

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park in the United Kingdom has some of the darkest skies in the world so it’s a great place for stargazing, whatever the season. It was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011.

Sunset at the Porlock Salt Marsh in Exmoor | Shutterstock

Salar De Uyuni

The world's largest salt flat in Southwest Bolivia is perfect for taking in views of the Milky Way and the night sky. It is recommended that you book a tour provider for the experience due to the size of the flats.

The night sky in Salar de Uyuni | Shutterstock

Hehuanshan

This 3,416-metre-high mountain in Central Taiwan is far away from the glow of over-lit urban areas, making it suitable for stargazing all year. There is a specially designed platform for visitors to enjoy a 360-degree, light pollution-free space.

Stars in the night sky above Hehuanshan | Shutterstock

Natural Bridges National Monument

Due to its remote location, this protected area in Utah, USA, has a primordial dark sky largely unaltered by modernity. The park service has installed motion detectors and other infrastructure to limit the light needed within restrooms and other areas.

The Milky Way above the Owachomo Natural Bridge in Utah | Shutterstock

Wadi Rum

The Jordanian desert’s isolation, elevation and lack of light pollution means sharp views of the Milky Way and constellations. While the night sky in Wadi Rum is clear, spring and autumn are the best time to visit.

The night sky of Wadi Rum is clear for most of the year | Shutterstock

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

South Australia's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary holds great significance for the Adnyamathanha people, who maintain a connection to the landscape. The best months to visit are from March to October.

The Flinders Ranges in the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary | Shutterstock

Eryri National Park

The vast expanses of this national park in Wales receive little to no light pollution, allowing for truly exceptional dark skies. On a clear night, visitors are guaranteed a sky sprinkled with stars from almost any vantage point.

The Milky Way as seen in Eryri National Park | Shutterstock

Mont-Mégantic National Park

The world’s first International Dark-Sky Reserve houses the Mont Mégantic Observatory at its peak, the most important astronomical observatory in Eastern Canada.

The Milky Way over Mont-Mégantic National Park | Shutterstock

The 10 Best Stargazing Destinations In India

The Milky Way galaxy as seen from Gangabal Campsite on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek at Sonamarg | Shutterstock
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